Omicron Scare: Karnataka imposes 10-day night curfew from 10pm-5am; Ban on New Year gatherings

Bengaluru, Dec 26: Amid Omicron scare, Karnataka government has decided to impose night curfew from December 28 for 10 days from 10 pm to 5 am. The government also banned public celebration of New Year.

During this period, hotels, pub, bar and restaurants will have to limit to 50 per cent seating capacity.

The decision was taken after Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai held a meeting with cabinet colleagues and officials to discuss measures to control the spread of the Omicron variant.

"From December 28 onwards, for about ten days to begin with, we would like to watch by calling a night curfew, invoking Section 144, from night 10 PM to the next morning 5 AM," state health minister Sudhakar said.

After the meet, CM Bommai said that there is a curb on functions and gatherings for the New Year.

"There will be no functions, parties in the external premises, especially for those celebrating with DJs and large gatherings, they have been completely banned in Karnataka," he said.

The Minister also said that in places like eateries, hotels, pubs and restaurants can have 50 percent of the seating capacity of the premises.

The government will begin vaccination for those in 15-18 age group from January 3. Sudhakar said. There are 45 lakh children in this group in Karnataka.

As per PM Modi's announcement the state will also administer booster dose to those above 60 years and healthcare workers and Covid warriors from Jan 10.